The first cohort of Assam Startup – The Nest, the state incubator run by IIMCIP and supported by the Government of Assam, completed its tenure early this year. During the incubation programme of 6 months, a large number of startups received market linkages while some are being evaluated by investors across the country for investments. With 52 startups, spread across various sectors, this cohort was felicitated in February this year at a programme presided over by Shri Chandra Mohan Patowary, Minister of Industries and Commerce, Govt. of Assam among other dignitaries and guests from across the country. Some of the talented startups shared their journeyat The Nest amidst the enthusiasm and high spirits during the launch of some key initiatives like the Pre-incubation programme, Ideation Adda – an ideation talk show on FM, Academia Connect – motivational talk shows with college students, Smart Hackathon, and Entrepreneurship Development Cell Network (EDCN) – ECell Network in Academic Institutions. The second cohort, of 26 startups, was also launched during the same time.